MLA Mahesh Tenginakai inspects the flyover construction works near Basava Vana in Hubballi on Monday.
DH Photo
Construction of the flyover stretch from Old Court Circle to Basavava Vana via Channamma Circle at the heart of Hubballi, which is scheduled to be completed by August 20 and for which traffic diversion is also in place, is likely to miss the deadline, as the works are seen behind the schedule by around 10 days.
From April 20, traffic was diverted and the road in front of the city, suburban bus terminal (formerly old bus stand) was closed on this flyover stretch, and almost of Channamma Circle is closed for focussed works for four months. However, the works have not progressed to the expected level, mainly due to less labourers. This may extend the deadline by at least 10 days, even if more manpower is used to speed up the works.
MLA Mahesh Tenginakai, who inspected the works on Monday, expressed discontent about the pace of the works, and took the contractor to task. “Works on this stretch are behind schedule by 10 to 12 days. Bring more manpower by July 12, and complete the works before August 30 at any cost,” he told the contractor and Public Works Department (PWD) national highways division.
Heavy rains blamed
Meanwhile, the officials cited the reason of crane operator being absent for eight days, and heavy rains hindering the works. In four months, 74 girders had to launched, out of which 36 are already launched. A total of 20 more pillars are ready for the launch. Erecting a pier at Chennamma Circle is a challenging one, due to the live water pipeline, UGD and other utility lines already laid below the ground. However, with more manpower, works could be completed satisfactorily, officials said.
Traders in the area lamented that works are at slow pace due to less number of labourers, and their business is hit hard. Ganapati idol processions would face trouble if works are not completed by September first week, they said.
“The pace of works was satisfactory 15 days back, but now it is lagging. The number of labourers should be increased from existing 100 to 200, and the contractor has assured to bring such skilled workers from West Bengal by July 12. Girders will be launched in night hours. I set the ultimatum of August 30 to complete the works,” Tenginakai said, adding that he would inspect the works regularly.
Karnatak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) office-bearers, who represented shopkeepers in the bus stand area, stated that they would wait till August 30, and would take the next decision if works are not completed before the deadline.